AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) was approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange (SEC) on Tuesday, which means it can now operate as a national security exchange, like the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ.

According to a press release, TXSE is the first fully integrated national securities exchange to receive SEC approval in decades. This milestone for the stock exchange revives the competition in America's public markets.

James H. Lee, founder and CEO of TXSE, and its parent company, TXSE Group Inc. said, in part, the approval marks a pivotal moment "to build a world-class exchange rooted in alignment, transparency, and partnerships with issuers and investors."

Abbott said in a statement that Texas is “swiftly becoming America’s financial

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